American travel enthusiast Kalani made his way over to Spanish holiday hotspot Benidorm for the first time, and went on to share his honest opinions, including one thing that left him confused
Alice Sjoberg Social News Reporter
10:16, 27 Mar 2026Updated 10:16, 27 Mar 2026
An American shared his honest opinion after visiting Benidorm for the first time (stock image)(Image: Getty Images)
The Spanish coastal city of Benidorm has long been a favourite among British holidaymakers looking to enjoy some sunshine and relax on holiday. But one American was shocked when he visited the Spanish city for the first time by just how much influence the influx of British visitors has had on the destination.
British pubs and chippies aren’t a common sight in Spain, nor is a Full English being served in every café – but they can be found all over the famous strip in Benidorm, making Brits feel like they’re in a home away from home, just with much better weather. To experience it for himself, American travel enthusiast Kalani, who has visited the UK several times, decided to head to Benidorm after having been told about it from British friends.
Taking to TikTok, where he has more than 3.3 million followers, Kalani documented his time in Benidorm and everything it had to offer. At the end, he went on to share his honest thoughts about his holiday, also revealing that there were some things that had left him confused.
Starting off by saying that a lot of people had also warned him against visiting Benidorm, describing it as ‘like Blackpool with more sun’, Kalani said he agreed the famous Strip matched this description, but argued the city also has so much more to offer.
“For me, I could probably only do about one night on the Strip, it’s just too much for me,” he said. “That’s not really my scene anyway.”
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However, he added anyone who does enjoy that sort of experience should definitely give it a go. He went on to say that his highlight had been exploring the Old Town of Benidorm.
“Really good views, and then they have Tapas Alley, which we went to last night and you can get authentic Spanish food,” he said. “It’s a really cool atmosphere.
“And if you’re looking to have a little bit more Spanish culture and not just going to Benidorm strip and having a fry up every day, it’s a good spot to go.”
The American went on to say that, while he understood why some people might have urged him to avoid Benidorm, he wondered if these people had visited Old Town, saying this was the highlight of his holiday. He said: “You can experience a part of Benidorm that isn’t as in-your-face as the Strip.”
However, Kalani also revealed that there were some parts of his visit to Benidorm that had left him confused, including repeatedly being asked about ‘Charlie’.
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“I need someone to tell me about who Charlie is,” Kalani said, explaining that several people had asked him if he wanted ‘Charlie’ after exploring the Strip one night. Viewers were soon quick to tell him that Charlie is a common nickname for cocaine.
He also explained the various ‘weird‘ things he had spotted on the Strip, including a vending machine with a variety of ‘pleasure products’, a drunk woman driving a mobility scooter with a man holding on behind her, as well as the famous Sticky show.
“But you know what, I’m having a great time,” Kalani said. “I think it’s really beautiful, great views. The other part of Benidorm, I’d have to do in very small doses.”
Jet2 boss Steve Heapy has issued an update to industry experts
Maria Ortega and Robert Rowlands Deputy editor, money and lifestyle, content hub
04:31, 22 Mar 2026
A Jet2 Boeing 737 lands at Newcastle Airport(Image: Getty)
Jet2’s boss has warned of a sharp drop in bookings to Cyprus and Turkey but said tourists could get special offers. CEO Steve Heapy said flights on these routes are becoming “empty” due to the uncertainty caused by the Middle East conflict.
The boss said demand is instead moving to destinations such as Spain and Italy. TTG reported that he spoke about the issue via video link at the airline’s annual conference in Cádiz in Spain.
He also warned hotel partners to not ‘get greedy’ in Spain and Italy and keep prices competitive. And he vowed to protect customers where that happened.
He said he expects holidays to Cyprus and Turkey to recover quickly once the war in Iran ends. “I think we should all be prepared for a fairly rapid end to the conflict and a fairly sharp recovery when that happens,” he said.
Heapy said: “Bookings to Cyprus and Turkey are drying up, cancellations are up and our aircraft are emptying.” He said Jet2 was working to cross-sell customers to western Mediterranean destinations where demand “seems to be OK”.
Heapy added that Cyprus remained a safe destination despite a drop in demand to the island, which has been targeted by Iran since America and Israel launched airstrikes on the Middle Eastern nation.
He said: “Cyprus is still far enough away that you can still travel. We’re doing what we can to understand what’s going on and how we can work our way through it.”
‘Special offers’ to lure more travellers to Cyprus and Turkey
He expects hotels in Cyprus and Turkey to introduce special offers in the weeks ahead to lure more tourists in. Speaking to travel agents at the conference, he said: “We’ll do what we can to work with you and fight to get through this the best we can,” he said. “Our job is to put our customers’ fears to one side and reassure them that these destinations are safe.
“We’re a very resilient industry. These events happen every couple of years, and I’ll do whatever I can to help all our of businesses navigate through this.”
TTG also reported that Phil Nuttall, CEO of Travel Village Group, said it is too early to offer a full assessment of the crisis’s impact. Yet he said possible price rises could create problems for many families.
Jet2’s head of overseas operations, Lee Davies, also said the operator was putting more resource into challenges arising from the conflict, TTG said. “We’ve had to adapt our service, especially across Turkey and Cyprus at the moment. We have our red team, we’ve increased our presence, we’re visiting hotels, reassuring customers.
“We’ve expanded our visiting times and ring-fenced our 24/7 team in the UK. We’re contingency planning in terms of disruption management, you always have to have a very solid plan behind the scenes ready to activate.”
He reportedly added: “You’ve got to understand why in their minds, wherever that destination is, that they possibly don’t want to travel.” He added that by helping customers now, even if they do not then travel, “they will come back”.
Storm Therese is battering the Canary Islands with heavy rain, 100km/h winds and significant snowfall, with over 40 flights cancelled and schools closed across the islands
Samantha Bartlett Assistant Editor, Social News
10:41, 21 Mar 2026
Storm Therese is currently battering the Canary Islands (stock image)(Image: Europa Press News, Europa Press via Getty Images)
Storm Therese is currently wreaking havoc on the Canary Islands, particularly Tenerife and La Palma, with an unusual mix of heavy rain, 100 km/h (62 mph) winds, and significant snowfall at high altitudes. Authorities have declared a full-scale emergency in Tenerife, labelling it as one of the most severe storms to batter the archipelago in over a decade.
Spain‘s meteorological agency, AEMET, has issued several alerts that will remain active throughout the weekend. Orange (high risk) warnings have been dispatched for northern Tenerife and parts of La Palma due to wind gusts reaching 90–100 km/h and heavy rainfall. Concurrently, yellow warnings are in place across all seven islands for rain, thunderstorms, and choppy seas with waves reaching up to 6 metres (20 feet).
Unusually for this time of year, significant snowfall has also blanketed Mount Teide and surrounding peaks above 1,800–2,000 metres.
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The storm has led to widespread cancellations and safety closures across the islands. Over 40 flights were cancelled or rerouted by Friday, March 20, primarily at Tenerife North and South airports. Travellers are advised to check their flight status via Flightradar24 or their airline.
Schools and universities in Tenerife, Gran Canaria, and several other islands were shut on Thursday and Friday, whilst key roads, including access to Teide National Park and the TF-445 to Punta de Teno, are closed due to ice and snow.
Major international events such as the Tenerife Bluetrail 2026 race have been cancelled or postponed.
Providing an update on the weather situation on Friday (March 20), one Tenerife resident known as @theknightstrider1 on TikTok took to the platform to share details with his 115,000 followers.
The car hire and bar owner, who is based in Playa de las Américas, was heard saying: “A little weather update for you then, it’s raining… it’s pretty grim and it’s gone really overcast as well.
“The rain showers are on and off, we haven’t really had any rain until now. It was okay this morning, but yeah it is raining. The current temperature’s around 18 degrees, not too cold but the umbrella’s are out, people are sheltering and it’s really not that nice.”
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He added: “Bear in mind, you might get caught in the rain, have a brolly with you. Maybe some of the rain macs as well if you’ve got any, if not buy some because it’s on and off.”
One person wrote: “Weather’s been awful the last three days, can’t wait to go home.”
Whilst another added: “Arrive tomorrow, packed a brolly.”
A third chimed in: “This makes me so happy as someone who was going to go this week and changed to last week! Phew.”
Whilst a fourth asked: “Why is it every time it’s sunny in the UK it rains in Tenerife?”
Another resident of the Canary Islands also posted a weather update on TikTok from Santa Cruz de Tenerife, captioning the clip, ‘Rain, wind and choppy ocean. Flights cancelled and diverted. Flooding in El Médano and roads closed. The storms Theresa and Samuel are hitting Canary Islands.’
He then said in the video: “Here if your weather update from Tenerife South on Friday March 20th, 2026. The two storms – Theresa and Samuel – are hitting the Canary Islands with force.
“As you can see here, we have quite a lot of waves here in the Troya area of Las Americas. The storms have caused quite a few incidents on the island, we have had 11 flights cancelled yesterday, 10 flights have been cancelled during the day today.
“We have had quite a few flights deviated to other airports as well and we have had ferries that have been cancelled because of the conditions out on the see.”
He explained the temperature was currently hovering around 19 degrees and there had been some rain which was “coming and going” along with overcast skies.
Are flights from the UK to Tenerife being cancelled?
Yes, flights from the UK to Tenerife are currently experiencing cancellations and significant disruptions due to severe weather from Storm Therese.
As of Saturday, 21 March 2026, authorities in Tenerife have declared an island-wide emergency due to extreme conditions including heavy rain, strong winds, and rare snowfall over high ground.
Over 36 flights were cancelled earlier this week, with further disruptions reported today. While many cancellations involve inter-island services, several international flights have been diverted or cancelled due to poor visibility and high winds.
Currently, the most affected airport is Tenerife North (TFN), which has seen the greatest impact, though Tenerife South (TFS) – where most UK flights land –is also experiencing delays and some rerouted services.
Conditions are expected to remain hazardous through Saturday, with a gradual improvement predicted for Sunday, 22 March.
Major airlines serving the UK to Tenerife route, such as Ryanair, easyJet, Jet2, and TUI, are urging passengers to check their flight status before heading to the airport
If your flight is cancelled, contact your airline immediately to discuss rebooking or refund options.
Travelling with kids can be stressful, but a new data analysis has revealed some of Europe’s most child-friendly city breaks which offer accessibility and plenty to keep kids entertained
The city is a family-friendly choice(Image: Getty Images)
With the Easter break, May half-term, and bank holidays coming up, many parents will be looking for ways to keep the kids entertained. While you might not have considered taking younger kids on a city break, it can be a fun option if you’re looking for a short break.
That’s why LateRooms has put together the Family Breaks Index– a data analysis that pulls together information that’s of interest to people travelling with young children, such as flight and transfer times, walkability, accessibility for those bringing pushchairs, and the child-friendly attractions on offer.
Coming in at number three is a Spanish city that has long been popular with Brits for city breaks, and its short flight time and easy walkability have seen it score highly for family trips too.
Barcelona flights are just over two hours from the UK, and on arrival, visitors can hop on the airport train to the centre, which takes just 25 minutes. This makes it ideal for people travelling with young children who wouldn’t be able to do a long journey.
The city has a flat, walkable centre, with many major tourist attractions just a short walk apart. This means it’s easy to navigate with a buggy, and little legs won’t get worn out from a day of sightseeing.
According to LateRooms, the city has about 400 family-friendly attractions, so you won’t have to deal with kids complaining they are bored. To start, there are classic tourist attractions such as the Sagrada Família and Gaudí’s unique and colourful Park Güell, both of which are impressive enough to keep kids enthralled.
Kids love science museums, and Cosmocaixa is an unforgettable day out. One of Barcelona’s largest museums, the entire experience is interactive, full of engaging activities that teach kids about the creation of the cosmos. The museum takes visitors on a journey through the natural world, from the past to the present.
Tibidabo Amusement Park is a great place to see views of the city and enjoy charmingly old-fashioned fairground rides. It’s set on a hill that overlooks Barcelona, and as you ride the Ferris wheel or drop rides, you can enjoy seeing the city below.
A dream day out for kids could well be the Museu de la Xocolata, the chocolate museum, where you can see huge sculptures made from chocolate, including kids’ TV and film characters. It also runs chocolate tasting and making workshops, and once you’ve explored, you can indulge your sweet tooth at the café with a rich and creamy hot chocolate.
One advantage of Barcelona over other city breaks is that it also has a beach nearby, so you can explore the city in the morning and let the kids swim or build sandcastles in the afternoon. The seaside neighbourhood of La Barceloneta is popular with families thanks to its access to a long sandy beach, and it has its own metro station, making it easy to get around the city.
In May, flights to Barcelona start from just £27 one way based on flights from London-Luton with Wizz Air. The weather in May often hits highs of 23C with little rain, making it an ideal time of year to explore.
Harry Poulton, who moved to the Alicante region from the UK, visited the Duke of Wellington pub and Ray’s Chippy in Benidorm to find out if they serve the best fish and chips in the city
Alan Johnson Social News Reporter and Alan Johnson
15:45, 10 Mar 2026Updated 15:45, 10 Mar 2026
A Brit living in Benidorm has delivered his verdict on fish and chips in the Spanish resort (stock)(Image: JOSE JORDAN/AFP via Getty Images)
A Brit living in Benidorm has voiced his astonishment at the cost of fish and chips in the popular holiday spot after popping into a takeaway in the Spanish tourism hotspot. Harry Poulton, who provides travel tips and insights into the Alicante region, paid a visit to the Duke of Wellington pub in the Costa Blanca resort, which also houses Ray’s Chippy.
“I’m here to find out if this really is the best fish and chips in the whole of Benidorm,” he kicked off in a TikTok video. Settling down, Harry chose cod and chips, served with a pot of curry sauce and a can of Coca-Cola to wash it down.
Once his meal arrived, he complimented the waitress, saying it looked “absolutely amazing” before tucking in.
Sprinkling salt on the chips and dunking one in the curry sauce, Harry expressed his delight: “Oh, proper chip shop fries. It’s really nice. You can’t beat a chip shop fry, can you?”
Turning his attention to the fish, meanwhile, Harry, who selected the smaller option from the menu, described it as looking “gorgeous” before taking a bite.
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“That is amazing,” he proclaimed. “Super crunchy – the batter is really nice and it’s proper fresh. Really, really tasty – it’s absolutely gorgeous.”
Harry headed to the till to pay the bill afterwards which, at €13.50 (£11.69), he hailed as an “absolute bargain”.
On TripAdvisor, The Duke of Wellington and Ray’s Chippy boasts a rating of 3.8 out of five based on 289 reviews.
Reacting to Harry’s post, one TikTok user commented: “Great place, we go every time we are in Benidorm.”
A second visitor praised: “Very good when we both went. 10/10 Good prices too.”
While a third recommended: “You should try Gwen’s Bar in La Cala on a Friday tea time. Their fish and chips are unbelievable.”
Harry also offered guidance to Brits heading to Benidorm while the Cheltenham Festival is taking place back home. The annual horse racing spectacular is being held at Cheltenham Racecourse from today (March 10) through to Friday.
“It’s a little bit cloudy here at the moment,” Harry cautioned those planning to watch the races while abroad. “It’s quite cold as well – currently just 13 degrees and it looks there is more rain and wind on the way.”
He concluded by urging those travelling to the Costa Blanca this week to pack jumpers and jackets alongside summer clothing. “You know what Benidorm is like,” he remarked. “Cloudy one minute, but blue skies the next. It’s good to be prepared.”
Escape the UK’s unpredictable weather with these toasty March and April holiday destinations within easy reach of Britain — cheap flights and even cheaper pints, what’s not to love?
06:00, 10 Mar 2026Updated 08:20, 10 Mar 2026
Think fun in the sun as you swim in pristine waters surrounded by the most dramatic scenery(Image: e55evu via Getty Images)
With British weather continuing to swing between dreary downpours and (marginally) pleasant spring sunshine, holidaymakers are still hunting for getaway spots with guaranteed warmth and gentle breezes. That’s where we step in.
If you’re seeking holiday destinations within easy reach of Britain that are gloriously warm at this time of year, whilst remaining incredibly budget-friendly, look no further, because we’ve got you covered.
As the UK starts to shake off winter’s chill, we’ve compiled the finest options for a March-April escape in the meantime, with temperatures across these destinations hovering between 16C to 24C.
Travellers keen to beat the bag charges without breaking the budget have made an Amazon travel bag a bestseller. Rated 4.7 stars out of 5 from almost 3,000 reviews, the Xkdoai bag comes in six colours with prices from £14.99, saving 29% on the usual price.
Without further delay, here’s our selection of sunny destinations within easy reach of the UK you can explore in March and April without emptying your wallet, reports the Express.
La Graciosa
This diminutive Canary Islands treasure is remarkable in every respect – it features absolutely no tarmac roads owing to its heavily protected designation as the largest Marine Reserve in Europe and as a National Park, meaning there are no vehicles on this island whatsoever.
It’s the first hidden island on our list, and an absolute paradise for travellers yearning for tranquillity and isolation, with the island’s untamed, pristine and genuinely secluded nature ideal for those weary of overcrowded tourist hotspots and constant travel mayhem. Reaching La Graciosa couldn’t be simpler.
Take a direct flight from the UK to Lanzarote followed by a short ferry crossing to the island. At the time of writing, a direct one-way flight from London Stansted Airport to César Manrique-Lanzarote Airport on March 11 costs just £29.
From there, jump on a 30-minute ferry from the port of Órzola, which will carry you across to La Graciosa. Prices on this tiny island haven are affordable, with a pint of local beer costing around £2.
Caleta del Sabo, the island’s only village, is a must-see attraction during your stay and Playa de las Conchas is the island’s most celebrated beach.
The breathtaking sandy stretches of Playa de las Cocinas and Playa Francesa are also top-rated draws, providing magnificent views of the imposing Famara cliffs over in Lanzarote.
Del Ámbar, Del Salado, and De la Laja are among the other pristine beaches found on Graciosa. You can even indulge in a boat excursion to the neighbouring Isla de Lobos for some birdwatching.
Comino
The relatively unknown Maltese island of Comino, famous for its dazzlingly brilliant Blue Lagoon, is a gem hiding in plain sight, and our second under-the-radar secret island haven.
With no towns – and therefore no cars – visiting Comino is truly an experience like no other.
Considered a haven for swimmers, snorkellers, hikers and photographers – tourists are known to travel from around the world just to sample a slice of life in this deserted paradise.
To get to Comino, travellers can fly into Malta International Airport – a one-way flight from London Stansted Airport to Malta International Airport on 12 March would set holidaymakers back £51 – and then from mainland Malta, you can hop on one of the regular ferries from Cirkewwa Ferry Terminal, which will whisk you off to Comino in roughly 35 minutes.
As for beverages, pints on Comino can cost anywhere between £2.60 to £4.
Undeniably, the crown jewel of Comino – and arguably the entire Maltese archipelago – is the world-renowned Blue Lagoon, enticing visitors with its pristine white sands and shimmering turquoise waters all year round.
Santa Marija Bay, nestled on the quieter side of Comino, offers a serene beach, shallow waters and none of the tourist throngs found at the Blue Lagoon.
The Santa Marija Caves are another major draw on this island, and trekking up to the iconic Santa Marija Tower is a favourite pastime.
Gran Canaria
Often described as a ‘miniature continent’ due to its near-circular shape, Gran Canaria offers affordable flights, with a direct one-way flight on 13 March (including one carry-on bag) from London Luton Airport to Gran Canaria Airport priced at £29 at the time of writing.
A pint of beer in many spots across Gran Canaria will only set you back £2, and if that’s not tempting enough – there are numerous pubs offering the famed Canary Islands Happy-Hour €1 pints, which equates to roughly £0.87.
Las Alcaravaneras and Las Canteras, sandy beaches bordering Las Palmas – Gran Canaria’s biggest city, are major tourist attractions catering extensively to holidaymakers.
Additional popular beaches across the island include Maspalomas, Playa del Inglés, San Agustín, Amadores, and Puerto de Mogán. The bustling tourist destination of Puerto Rico is also essential viewing for those wanting a vibrant atmosphere.
Anfi del Mar, Playa de Taurito, and Meloneras Beach are equally excellent choices for visitors to explore.
Roque Nublo, the 80-metre volcanic monolith rock is a major draw for hikers, whilst the ‘Dragon’s Tail’ in the Tamadaba Natural Park offers unrivalled panoramic vistas of the island in the north west.
Charming villages such as Tejada, Artenara, Fataga, and beautiful towns including Santa Lucía de Tirajana and Agüimes are equally worth exploring.
Natural pools, secluded coves off dramatic coastlines, untamed beaches, and vibrant cities – Gran Canaria offers everything.
Lanzarote
As the fourth biggest island in the perpetually popular Canary Islands in Spain, Lanzarote is a breathtaking destination.
Boasting black sand beaches in one area and a rocky landscape in another, the island’s terrain features the Famara mountain ranges in the north and Ajaches to the south.
At the time of writing, a direct one-way flight from London Stansted Airport to César Manrique-Lanzarote Airport on March 11 was just £29, and pints will set you back just £1.30 on this tropical paradise. Lanzarote’s all-inclusive resorts are a massive hit with budget-conscious holidaymakers, with luxurious options available for those looking to indulge.
The island’s unique landscape is another magnet for tourists – boasting mountains, vast craters, red terrain, black sand beaches, crystal clear turquoise waters, white sands, and the cherry on top; an active volcano named Mount Timanfaya which features lava fields formed centuries ago.
When it comes to leisure activities, there’s a wealth of options on this compact island, with activities such as surfing, scuba diving, kiteboarding, and windsurfing popular amongst visitors. Lanzarote also boasts numerous family-friendly beaches, particularly suitable for young children.
Gozo
Despite its small size, Gozo delivers in spades. The island can be accessed via various routes – initially by flying to Malta’s main international airport, then either taking a short yet scenic 25-minute ferry from Cirkewwa Terminal in northern Malta or a 45-minute ferry from the stunning capital Valletta to Gozo.
At the time of writing, a one-way ticket from London Stansted Airport to Malta International Airport on March 12 cost £51. The best part?
Drinks in Gozo are reasonably priced – chilled pints of delicious local beer for just £1.80.
Ramla Bay, regarded as one of Gozo’s best beaches, is a popular attraction, whilst the gantija temples, among the world’s oldest and best-preserved free-standing structures, are must-sees.
The Ta’ Kola Windmill stands as another significant landmark on the island, whilst the Cittadella, Gozo’s recently refurbished historic settlement at the heart of the island’s capital Victoria (Rabat), is another essential destination should you travel to this magnificent retreat.
It’s not just spectacular views on offer in Gozo, as the island also boasts four Michelin guide restaurants – Tmun, Level Nine at The Grand, Al Sale, and Ta’ Frenc.
The culinary and wine scene in Gozo is unmatched, with food and wine tours proving a popular activity amongst visitors.
For those wanting distinctive experiences, look no further than the traditional milking of sheep and goats in Gozo, which is then transformed into traditional Gozitan cheese.
For activity fans, clifftop hiking, kayaking and cycling are superb options for a perfect day out.
Fuerteventura
The oldest island in the Canary Islands Archipelago, Fuerteventura is genuinely stunning. Recognised as an ideal destination for watersports, especially for those passionate about surfing, waterskiing, and windsurfing, this exotic Spanish island embodies sun-drenched enjoyment.
A direct one-way flight from London Luton Airport to Fuerteventura Airport on March 15 costs just £29, and pints are reasonably priced at £1.70 on this vibrant island. With a staggering 152 individual beaches, this Canary Islands jewel boasts a unique landscape.
Some of Fuerteventura’s top beaches include Playa de Sotavento, Playas de Corralejo, Playas de El Cotillo, Playa de Cofete, Playas de Jandia, and Playa de Ajuy.
Popular resort destinations such as Corralejo, Caleta de Fuste and El Cotillo draw in hordes of tourists, with Corralejo’s historic quarter exuding authentic Spanish charm through its narrow lanes, tapas bars and seafood eateries.
The area is particularly renowned for the Corralejo Dunes, while the Calderón Hondo volcano trail is just a stone’s throw away, offering breathtaking panoramic views.
Family-oriented Caleta de Fuste boasts an upscale marina and traditional markets, making it a must-visit on any Fuerteventura itinerary.
El Cotillo is a charming, bustling fishing village famed for its surfing conditions and serene lagoon, whilst the secluded Cofete Beach and the ancient Ajuy Caves are also must-see attractions on the island.
Madeira
Madeira is a truly awe-inspiring destination offering a plethora of activities and experiences for travellers to indulge in, and getting to the island is remarkably straightforward.
A direct one-way flight from London Luton Airport to Madeira Airport on March 16 costs £43 at the time of writing, whilst the average price of a pint of beer is around £2.10.
Often dubbed the ‘Pearl of the Atlantic’, this small Portuguese volcanic island certainly deserves its glowing reputation, with one social media user calling it “unfairly beautiful”, whilst another labelled it “Europe’s Hawaii”.
Calheta Beach and Machico Beach rank amongst the island’s most popular destinations, whilst the Natural Pools of Porto Moniz represent another jewel in this Portuguese island’s collection – and undoubtedly its most famous attraction.
Another essential location in Madeira is Seixal Beach – a stunning natural black sand beach celebrated for its striking lush green setting, towering cliffs and the tumbling waterfall, Miradouro do Veu da Noiva, which flows straight into the sea and presents a magnificent spectacle.
Funchal, the lively historic capital of Madeira, proves a major attraction, with the city famous for the Old Town (Zona Velha), Monte Cable Car & Toboggan Ride, the Monte Palace Tropical Garden, and the Mercado dos Lavradores market.
The Laurissilva of Madeira is a 20-million year old forest praised for its incredible biodiversity, and a walk along its woodland paths is essential. Pico do Areeiro – Madeira’s third-tallest peak represents another unmissable spot, especially for keen hikers.
The trek from Pico do Areeiro to Pico Ruivo delivers an exciting mountain expedition, connecting the island’s three loftiest peaks whilst providing unforgettable panoramas.
A nod to Madeira’s famous wine is unavoidable, with Funchal, the town of Câmara de Lobos, and the adjacent island of Porto Santo celebrated as the premier destinations for wine tastings and vineyard excursions.
Tenerife
Those visiting this breathtaking island can enjoy palm-lined beaches, dramatic volcanoes, enchanting landscapes, verdant forests, and mouth-watering cuisine – all during a single holiday.
The white sand, 1.3-kilometre-long Playa de las Teresitas beach remains a firm favourite with holidaymakers, as does the 850-metre long golden sand expanse of Playa de las Vistas.
Playa Jardin beach with its volcanic black sand also draws those wanting something distinctive during their coastal getaway.
Direct flights to this sun-drenched holiday island are wallet-friendly – at the time of writing, a one-way flight from London Luton Airport to Tenerife South Airport on March 24 was priced at £27 with one free cabin bag allowance, whilst pints cost just £1.30 on average.
The sophisticated Playa del Duque is ideal for upscale dining and relaxed family activities, whilst the sprawling natural beach of Playa de la Tejita provides stunning views of Montaña Roja aka the Red Mountain.
The secluded cove of Playa de Abama is celebrated for its golden sands and excellent snorkelling, and arguably, Tenerife’s most magnificent beach, Playa de Benijo is perfect for an isolated retreat surrounded by nature, remarkable cliffs and gorgeous black sand.
The south-west coastline of Tenerife, especially the area between Los Gigantes, Costa Adeje, and Los Cristianos, is renowned for dolphin and whale watching, while a visit to the Teide National Park and the Corona Forestal Natural Park is absolutely essential.
The colonial town of San Cristobal de la Laguna provides a unique retreat within Tenerife, whilst the island’s capital, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, acts as the lively heart of this sun-drenched paradise.
Visits to the Balearic Islands dropped in January of this year, and restaurant bookings are also down causing concern in the industry. However, plans to cap visitor numbers on one island are going ahead
16:27, 06 Mar 2026Updated 16:34, 06 Mar 2026
Restaurants in the Balearics have seen a drop in trade(Image: Getty Images)
Tourism bosses in Spain have been left concerned over dropping numbers in the hospitality industry amid a ‘disastrous’ start to the year for the Balearic Islands.
The islands, which include the popular destinations of Majorca, Ibiza, and Menorca, saw a drop in international visitor numbers of 8.83% in January. While restaurants also saw a drop in footfall, attributed to rising prices, across 2025.
Overall, across the Balearic Islands there was a 3% drop in restaurant footfall across 2025. While the amount might sound small, the tight profit margins in hospitality and the islands’ heavy reliance on tourism mean that modest drops can have a substantial impact.
The decline in restaurant customer numbers is being partly attributed to rising prices across the islands, the Majorca Daily News previously reported. Data analysts pointed out that in areas where dining is the most affordable, such as the mainland regions of Castile-La Mancha and Extremadura, customer numbers grew.
The analysis concluded: “This behaviour suggests that consumers have reached a price ceiling, which limits price increases in the most expensive areas and reinforces the idea of a restraint in real spending, even in areas traditionally less price-sensitive.”
The restaurant industry is also concerned about the numbers for 2026. Juanmi Ferrer, president of the CAEB Restaurants Association, representing island outlets, remarked that the year kicked off with a “disastrous January” and predicted it would be “like last year, or at most a little worse”.
He explained: “The last thing a restaurant owner wants is to raise prices, because that means fewer customers. This year we’ll try to absorb those extra three to four percentage points of inflation as much as we can.”
One option being considered is a restaurant voucher scheme, similar to a recent initiative across the island that supported shops. The retail scheme gave all residents aged over 16 four vouchers worth €15 each, which could be used on purchases of €30 or more, to encourage people to shop locally.
During summer 2025, concerns emerged that certain Majorcan resorts had become “completely dead”, with Miguel PérezMarsá, chairman of the nightlife association, saying: “The tourists we’re interested in are being driven away; they don’t feel welcome and are going to other destinations.” His comments came as thousands took to the streets in overtourism protests.
At last year’s World Travel Market (WTM) in London, Ibiza’s Tourism Minister, Jaume Bauza, acknowledged declining visitor numbers, revealing that 20,000 fewer British tourists visited the renowned party destination during the 2025 peak season compared to the previous year. Industry experts have suggested this decline may reflect holidaymakers deliberately shifting their travel dates to October and November to capitalise on more affordable rates.
However, it should be noted that such a dip comes at the end of several record years for tourism on the island chain, with Brits and other Europeans flocking in huge numbers to the Balearics post-Covid.
Despite the drop in numbers causing alarm, the islands are continuing with measures to tackle overtourism. Plans have been announced to slash the number of daily cruise ship berths from 8,500 to 7,500 between June and September in Palma, Majorca, meaning fewer cruise ship passengers arriving once the change is implemented between 2027 to 2039.
Only three cruise ships would dock in Palma each day, with only one of these vessels allowed to transport more than 5,000 passengers. Opposition party PSOE – a socialist party for the Balearic Islands – also put forward a proposal recently for visitor numbers to be capped across the islands at 17.8 million a year. However, its proposal was rejected.
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After many delays, ETIAS should be in place by the end of this year, but many holidaymakers have been surprised by the fee that has been hiked to nearly three times as much as originally announced
(Image: Getty Images)
The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) is set to become mandatory for Brits travelling to 30 European countries in the last quarter of 2026. Citizens of the UK and 58 other visa-exempt countries will need to apply for travel authorisation ahead of visiting EU countries including France, Spain, and Portugal.
This means that Brits heading off to the Costas or Dordogne, among other holiday hotspots, will need to apply for an ETIAS before they travel, and all passengers will need to complete a form online. While the plan is for most ETIAS approvals to take minutes, those who need further checks could be waiting up to 30 days for approval, so it’s something that should be sorted as soon as a holiday is booked.
While the process sounds simple enough, the fee that comes with an ETIAS application has become the latest blow for British holidaymakers. When it was first announced in 2018, the fee was planned to be €7, just over £6, but it was announced late last year that the fee will actually be €20, about £17.37, almost three times the original cost.
Passengers of all ages will need to get an ETIAS, but the fee is waived for children and seniors, so luckily only visitors aged 18-70 will need to pay it. However, for a couple travelling together, this adds another €40 cost to a holiday that needs to be budgeted.
A statement on the European Commission website says: “ETIAS fee has been set at EUR 20 instead of the previous EUR 7. The new fee takes into account the rise in inflation since 2018 and additional operational costs related to new technical features integrated into the system. It also brings the cost for an ETIAS travel authorisation in line with similar travel authorisation programmes around the globe.”
Once approved, an ETIAS is valid for three years, or until your passport expires, depending on which date comes first. It can be used for multiple trips.
Brits heading to the EU in recent months have also had to use the new EU Entry/Exit system at airports. Set to replace manual passport stamping, it involves taking a photo and fingerprints of anyone entering the Schengen area.
The EES system aims to increase security and easily identify overstayers, and once fully-implemented should reduce queues for non-EU citizens such as Brits. However, many travellers have reported delays due to technological issues, with three hour waits reported in Tenerife.
Unlike the ETIAS, Brits don’t need to register in advance for EES. However, they can download the official Travel to Europe app, which allows them to register their details in advance, potentially helping to speed up the process.
At the time of writing, there’s no official start date for the ETIAS. The European Commission has previously said it will announce the date several months in advance, allowing travellers and airports time to prepare. Brits do not currently need to pay for an ETIAS, and once launched, should only use the official ETIAS website for applications.
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